EPA Grants Coal Plants Three More Years for Ash Pond Closures
Published Date: 11/28/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The EPA is giving coal power plants three more years to close big, unlined coal ash ponds, moving the deadline from 2028 to 2031. This helps some plants keep running longer to keep the lights on without rushing costly closures. If you own or run these sites, this extra time means more flexibility and a smoother transition.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Three‑Year Extension for Large Coal‑Ash Ponds
The EPA proposes to move the deadline to complete closure of unlined coal combustion residual (CCR) surface impoundments larger than 40 acres from October 17, 2028 to October 17, 2031. This change applies only to owners/operators with extension demonstrations under 40 CFR 257.103(f)(2) and would allow placement of CCR and coal-fired generation at those sites to continue for up to three additional years.
Estimated Cost Savings and Preserved Capacity
EPA's Regulatory Impact Analysis estimates annualized cost savings from this proposed extension of about $7–12 million per year using a 3% discount rate, or about $17–27 million per year using a 7% discount rate. EPA also estimates the extension could preserve roughly 3,200 MW in MISO (about 10% of anticipated retirements), 1,056 MW in SPP (about 14%), and about 2,200 MW in PJM (about 13%) for up to three additional years.
Environmental Monitoring and Risk Mitigation Stay In Place
Facilities that operate under the extended deadline would remain subject to existing groundwater monitoring, assessment, and corrective action requirements (40 CFR 257.90–257.98) and their Part A risk mitigation plans. EPA will continue to review risk mitigation measures and may require additional measures as a condition of any extension.
No Extension for Small Impoundments
EPA is not proposing any extension for unlined CCR surface impoundments that are 40 acres or smaller; those owners/operators were required to cease coal-fired boiler operation and complete closure by October 17, 2023 and those impoundments have ceased receiving CCR and non‑CCR wastes.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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